Mandob DE and Andjama LBN
Background: They are two commonly metabolic syndrome (MetS) definition used for studies. This study was performed to determine the MetS prevalence of according to International Diabetes Federation (IDF) 2005 and National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP/ATP III) 2001 definitions in a Cameroon population and to determine the concordance between the two definitions.
Methods: A total of 1519 overweight or obese adults aged ≥ 18 years (1193 women and 326 men), selected randomly in Yaoundé were analyzed. Blood samples were analyzed, blood pressure and waist circumference assessed, data on lifestyle, medication, chronic disorders, and socio-demographic characteristics collected. Kappa test was done to examine the agreement between the definitions.
Results: The mean age of the group was 34.87 ± 10.97 years for men and for women 36.9 ± 11.28 years. The prevalence of MetS using (NCEP/ATP III) and IDF definitions was 13.0% and 19.5% respectively. The agreement rate between the IDF and (NCEP/ATP III) was good (Kappa=0.72). The subjects defined only with (NCEP/ATP III) and not IDF had lower body mass index, waist circumference but higher triglycerides levels than those defined by both (NCEP/ATP III) and IDF.
Conclusion: MetS is still uncommon in Cameroon using either (NCEP/ATP III), or IDF definition. The agreement between the two definitions was good especially in women. The limitation of IDF definition for detecting leaner but metabolically abnormal subject is a reality. There is a crucial need to set up recommended values of waist and hip circumference in Africans.
